Leibniz-Keks from Bahlsen was one of the most widely used commercial products in the German army during World War II. Unlike specially developed military food, it was an identical product that citizens could buy in ordinary shops in the Reich. It reached the hands of soldiers mainly through Canteens (field stores), field post packages (Feldpost) or as part of the supplementary food for selected corps.

History and iconic design

Hermann Bahlsen began producing these butter biscuits in 1891 in Hanover. It was he who introduced the term Keks (derived from the English cakes) into the German language. The characteristic design of the biscuit with 52 teeth and embossed inscription has remained practically unchanged since the end of the 19th century, making it one of the longest-produced products in the history of the food industry.

During the war years, Bahlsen was a key supplier of long-life pastries for the Wehrmacht. The yellow-blue paper packaging was a fixed part of the contents of backpacks and bread bags. The high butter and sugar content made these biscuits a valuable source of energy in field conditions. For a soldier in the field, Leibniz was above all a psychological connection to home and peaceful life, while the product maintained its quality even at a time when substitutes (Ersatz) began to be used en masse in other food industries.

Why a replica from Warcopy?

The paper packaging was designed as disposable. The thin paper sleeve quickly wore out, got wet or tore in the conditions of front-line life. For this reason, authentic war packaging in preserved condition is almost impossible to obtain today. Our reproduction accurately copies the period typography, colors and graphic layout, so that your period equipment looks authentic down to the last detail.